Hello,

I would like to ask about using corrugated polycarbonate panels on a metal frame. I have an old metal shed (12' x 20') that I would like to change over to a greenhouse. The frame is made of 2.5" square metal tubing that is pretty stout, and the pieces are connected with self-tapping screws.
My concern is the effect that our summer heat will have on the panels. I am in zone 8 in Texas. If I use the recommended closure strips, will they keep the polycarbonate panels far enough away from the metal that they will not be damaged? I am pretty sure that fiberglass will hold up, but I have recently started looking at polycarbonate panels.
If possible, I would like to use white colored panels that will block about 40% (or perhaps a bit more) of the sun.
If it will work, would wooden or foam closure strips be the better choice? Also, is there a particular brand of polycarbonate panel that is better than others?

Thanks for any help.
ORH

Not to worry. Polycarbonate is good for 270F continuous and bursts of over 1100F. Not that 1100F will ever happen to you, but it gives you an idea of how heat resistant it is. I wold use them without regard to trying to keep them away from not metal. Check what you buy for both heat and light transmission.

Thank you very much. I believe I was confusing PVC panels with polycarbonate. Up to now, I had only been considering fiberglass, and knew nothing about polycarbonate products.
On a side note, I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this project. After removing the old metal panels, taking the structure apart, and putting it back together on concrete footing, I found that nothing fit correctly, or was level and plumb. I now understand why they sent out six guys to assemble the shed in the first place. It takes that many to hold everything in place until the metal panels are attached.

Again, thank you.
ORH